Travis County Commissioners began a series of discussions Tuesday to determine the best schedule to fund and build the proposed new $294 million Civil and Family Courthouse building. The main decision will be whether to go to Travis County voters with a bond election in May or November. The new courthouse, which has been in […]
Local Government
Posted inCity Hall, Environment, Local Politics, Resources, Texas State Legislature
City orders study on bag ban that state may toss
Amid concerns that state leadership will take steps to limit city ordinances such as Austin’s plastic bag ban, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission has instructed city staff to study the ban in time to send the results to the state legislature. The commission unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday requesting that the Austin Resource Recovery Department […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Public Safety, Texas State Legislature
GOP wants to restore Secure Communities program
A recent agreement between the City of Austin and Travis County over booking services at the county jail could be in jeopardy if congressional Republicans succeed in reversing President Obama’s executive orders on immigration policy. House Republicans voted out a bill Wednesday to fund the Homeland Security department that would defund the president’s immigration program. […]
Posted inAustin, Environment, Roads, Transportation, Travis County
Conservation District delays vote on SH45 SW agreement
Representatives of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District voted to put off a decision on an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation that is intended to provide greater environmental protection for the construction of State Highway 45 Southwest. District residents, civic organizations and representatives of Austin and Travis County urged the aquifer district board […]
Posted inAustin, Local Government, Local Politics, Texas State Legislature
Local state reps talk turkey at RECA luncheon
On Wednesday, Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) and state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) gave members of the Real Estate Council of Austin a preview of the upcoming legislative session. Despite the partisan gap, the two representatives found some common ground during the preview. Though they mostly focused on different topics, both addressed issues that could impact Austin […]
Posted inEnvironment, Transportation, Travis County
Travis seeks delay in BSEACD-TxDOT agreement
Travis County Commissioners voted Tuesday to ask the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District board for a three-week postponement of a hearing planned this week on an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation over environmental standards for the construction of State Highway 45 Southwest. Commissioners also voted to work with the parties to clear […]
Posted inAustin, Public Health, Travis County
Court looks to limit rise in TravCo health care costs
With annual cost overruns projected to be more than $7 million this fiscal year, Travis County Commissioners are looking at ways to curb the skyrocketing cost of providing health care for employees and retirees. According to figures prepared by county staff, health care expenses for the first three months of FY2015 put Travis County on a projected […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, Courts, Local Politics
Zimmerman libel suit against Bulldog dismissed
Less than 24 hours after being sworn in to office as the new District 6 representative, City Council Member Don Zimmerman had his lawsuit against the Austin Bulldog dismissed and was ordered to pay court costs and attorney’s fees. Zimmerman filed the lawsuit in October, alleging libel in an article published by the Bulldog written by […]
Posted inAustin, Bonds & Propositions, Courts, Development, Elections, Environment, Local Politics, Public Safety, Resources
2014: An Austin Monitor review
This past year was a dynamic one in Austin, and though the future promises to be just as interesting, at the close of 2014 we invite you to take a trip back over the past 12 months. Though a lot went on in the city and this list is far from comprehensive, from our ever-particular […]
Posted inLocal Government, Local Politics, Travis County
Brigid Shea has big ideas for Commissioners Court
In November, Brigid Shea was elected to the Precinct 2 seat on the Travis County Commissioners Court. She sat down with the Monitor earlier this month to discuss her plans, and got right to the point. “I intend to be very, very active,” said Shea. Shea said that part of her decision to run for office was […]
Posted inElections, Local Government, Local Politics, Travis County
Eckhardt embraces new role as County Judge
Sarah Eckhardt is looking forward to her new role as Travis County Judge. When Eckhardt spoke to the Monitor recently, she seemed eager to get back to work. Though she served on the Commissioners Court starting in 2006 and has spent 14 years working with the county, as Travis County Judge she knows her role […]
Posted inAustin, Environment, Roads, Transportation, Travis County
County seeks federal guidance on SH45 SW project
Travis County is asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for “guidance” on how to avoid environmental damage to the sensitive Flint Ridge Cave during the construction and operation of the proposed State Highway 45 Southwest toll road. County officials are requesting that representatives from Fish and Wildlife meet in January with the parties responsible […]